Chapter 20 Summary

The trip to London with Judith is a success, but not without its moments. Concerned travelers make inquiries as Judith refers to herself as a "Used Gourd and a Rind". They have lunch at Grimaldi's with Dr. Mudel, a state psycho-analyst. In his profession, he transfers people's fixations onto more positive and harmless interests, such as gardening. After lunch, Dr. Mudel tells Flora that he plans to take Judith to a nursing home for six months and give her an interest in old churches. He assures Flora that Judith will be happy, which Flora questions. However, Judith seems quite content to go with the doctor and Flora suggests after her nursing home stay that she travel and visit the sights of Europe, particularly the old churches. Judith worries about Amos but Flora reminds her he is off to America and will let her...